- John Deere named one of the best global brands
- John Deere Iowa factory celebrates its 100th anniversary
- John Deere encourages children to carry on the tradition of farm life
- University expansion gives John Deere the chance to gain a new facility
- Illinois students become familiar with the most up-to-speed farming equipment
- A tractor museum in North Dakota features unique John Deere tractors
- John Deere antique clock keeps tabs on the company's dedication to farm life
- High school agriculture students get a sample of groundbreaking equipment
- John Deere plays its part in Perryville's Old Timers' Day event
- Renovations are being performed in Moline to maintain the John Deere heritage
Seven decades of farm life shaped one farmer's world
Posted by Green Fun Store on 3/7/2011
to Farm Lifestyle
Aldam has worked at Pasture Farm and recently received an award to commemorate her decades of service. Aldam grew up steeped in farm life and has actually been working on farms, driving used tractors and operating farm equipment her entire life - more than 75 years, in fact.
When she was younger, Aldam worked as a farm hand, helping to harvest potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, hay and barley. "I did harvesting and hay making, every and anything that needed doing," she said in an interview. "I would drive a horse and cart during potato time and the women would fill it with potatoes and then I'd empty it," she fondly recalled.
When she was 17, the first tractor arrived on her farm; while it was a used tractor - times were tough the, she says - she describes it as a "three-wheeler with a hand clutch and I thought it was great." She later married and had children, but her love of farming never left. She continues to work part-time on a farm - and up until recently, was still operating a John Deere tractor.
"I feel I've been very lucky. I can honestly say I have loved every minute of working here on the farm, it's been brilliant and I would do it all again," she affirms.